For macOS 13, Ventura... Go to the Apple menu, then System Settings. Click "Desktop & Dock". Turn off the option "Show recent applications in Dock".
For systems before macOS 13, Ventura... Go to the Apple menu and choose "System Preferences". Choose the "Dock" preference panel. Uncheck the box next to "Show recent applications in Dock".
I usually write a blog post about once a week. The latest post can be viewed here: Garbage: Democracy dies in darkness, especially when it is buried in garbage! (posted 2024-11-01 at 12:31:14). I do podcasts too!. You can listen to my latest podcast, here: OJB's Podcast 2024-08-22 Stirring Up Trouble: Let's just get every view out there and fairly debate them..